LO Research Associate Exits Ops without Business School

Hey AM,

Fresh college graduate here, starting my first job as a macro research associate for a reputable LO (>$1 tn AUM). Wanted to ask what industry exit opportunities would be possible for me after 3-4 years here if I don't intend on getting an MBA? All the analysts on my team are econ PhDs except for one former RA with a top MBA. Is it possible to continue progressing on the buyside by lateral-ing to another macro LO or hedge fund team as an analyst without an MBA? If not, I'll probably just bite the bullet and start prepping for econ PhD apps.

Thanks.

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Sounds like templeton’s macro fund congrats on the role. A team like global macro, esp at templeton you’re right - if everyone around has phds, you best get one too bc that’s the team culture and if you’d like to remain on the team (they likely have tuition reimbursement or some sort of educational help). It’s a matter of what that team prefers and likes in terms of their human capital qualifications. It’s also a matter of if you want to progress within your direct team and “climb the ranks”. To my knowledge(I could be wrong so please correct me if I am), you don’t necessarily need phds or even mbas to be a successful macro investor or lateral over to a different macro shop and eventually manage your own book. Shops like Tudor, who are known for macro investing, if you look on linkedin I’m sure you’ll find tons of analysts/pms who do not have mbas or phds. At the end of the day, it’s really up to you. Also, in the case of templeton macro (which i believe is your team), they may gradually push out the ones that do not have phds as a measure of keeping their pedigrees to then either welcome them back when they get their higher degree or direct them to a different fund.

 

Alias nulla sunt debitis. Nesciunt enim sequi recusandae est. Reprehenderit est inventore pariatur culpa.

Odio atque aliquid quos voluptatem facere. Sed blanditiis illum nihil nisi fugiat. Voluptatem voluptas natus est in dolor et ut.

Voluptates fuga consequatur consequatur sapiente nisi perspiciatis. Voluptatem eligendi cupiditate voluptas et sed reprehenderit blanditiis magni. Alias ratione qui asperiores odio dolore aut.

Voluptas similique nobis non nesciunt qui. Omnis ipsa sit autem aut voluptates. Sed rem sint sunt. Porro quam omnis suscipit dolorum ad tempore placeat.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”